Much famed for its rich diversity of flora and fauna, more than 25 percent of the elephants and 15 percent of tigers in India, can be found in Karnataka. Owing to its fair share of lush greens and thick jungles with ample amount of water resources, Karnataka is home to dense, and breathtaking national parks in Karnataka. They not only draw country’s wildlife enthusiasts but also are a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Check them out!

The 5 Best National Parks In Karnataka

1. Bannerghatta National Park

Situated at a distance of 23 kms from Bangalore City Railway Station, Bannerghatta National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Karnataka. Spread across an area of 25,000 acres, the park consists of the main nature reserve, a zoo, a children’s park, an aquarium, a crocodile park, a museum, a butterfly park, a snake park, and a safari park. One of the main attractions of this park is the Grand Safari. The one-hour long safari provides an opportunity to spot leopards, white tigers, Bengal tigers, and lions. While elephant safari is also offered inside the premises, the park is also famous for bird spotting.

2. Bandipur National Park

Among all the top national parks of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park is the popular one. It is home to around 70 tigers, and over 3000 Asian elephants, as well as other animals like leopards, dhole, gaur, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife. Spread across an area of 874 square kms, this national park is a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The entry point and interpretation center of the park is located in Bandipur village on the highway after Melkamanahalli Village. While private vehicles are not allowed inside the park, private jeep safaris can be arranged via Jungle Lodge & Tuskar Trails.

3. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is one of the most important national parks in Karnataka. Having received the status of a national park in 1988, it was declared as the 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve wherein wildlife enthusiasts love to visit this place to witness the rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys, and waterfalls. Inside the park, one can enjoy coracle boat riding facility on the Kabini River. The park is home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, hyenas, deers, sambar deers, four-horned antelopes, wild boars, and elephants while over 250 species of birds can be spotted at the Nagarhole National Park.

4. Anshi National Park

Of all the national parks on the list of National Parks in Karnataka, Anshi National Park is the one that serves as a treat to the wildlife lovers. Spread across an area of 340 square kilometers, Anshi National Park was earlier a part of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Offering a rich variety of flora and fauna, this park is a home to Bonnet Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Bison, and sloth bears. Housing over 197 species of birds, this park is also a wonderful place for bird watching.

Location: ‎North Kannada District, Near Dandeli, Karnataka India

5. Mudumalai National Park

While the major chunk of the national park is set in Tamil Nadu, this protected reserve shares its boundaries with the state of Karnataka and Kerala. Located in the northeast region of Nilgiris, Mudumalai National Park is a declared tiger reserve and is one of the famous national parks in Karnataka. Spanning across an area of 321 square kilometers, the park is a home to numerous endangered species like Bengal tigers, long-billed and white-rumped vultures, Indian leopards, and elephants.